This iconic landmark known as the “Fonay Barn” was built around 1890. Well over 100 years old, the barn was built of wood and assembled with wooden pegs, making it unique and historically significant. That significance made the barn eligible to be registered on the Register for Historic Places. The Fonay Farm originally consisted of 80 acres and grew to 320 acres. The Fonay family planted crops such as alfalfa, corn, and wheat up until 2011.

In 2002, the Fonay family farm house was torn down to make room for the expansion of the Huron Street roadway. Many people enjoyed the everchanging views of the barn at different times of the day and throughout the changing seasons - myself included. the light of early morning, a cloudy day, in the snow, and at sunset; the barn stood tall and silent, keeping watch over the land. The barn became home to a variety of bird, including a whooping crane, which sat on the cupola as my husband and I drove past one Spring day.

Sadly, on August 24th, 2020 the aged barn burned to the ground, leaving a great void in the surrounding landscape and in our hearts. The cause is currently being investigated.

Original paintings by Vickie Leigh Krudwig, Artist

Sources:

Our Community Now
https://ourcommunitynow.com/news-local-fire-destroys-historic-westminster-barn

Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT)
https://www.codot.gov/projects/archived-project-sites/north-i-25-rod-2-1/d-historic-report-i25-rod2-sh7.pdf